Today we remember and give thanks for the 80th Anniversary of Victory against Japan Day that heralded the end of World War II.
We are forever indebted to all those who fought in that “forgotten” part of the war - and particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice - for the freedoms we enjoy today.
The battles in the Far East carried on for 99 days after the victory in Europe. For many of those that fought there, in terrible conditions both for the fighting and those unfortunate enough to be captured and put into forced labour, they felt that people at home had forgotten about them, particularly after the war in Europe had ended.
Dame Vera Lynn, who was a member of this Society, is remembered as the “Forces’ Sweetheart” for her bravery in travelling to that region, when many others wouldn’t, to improve the morale of the troops by singing her great patriotic songs (such as “There’ll Always be an England”, ”Keep the Home Fires Burning” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”) to remind them what they were fighting for.
80 years is long time ago, and only a very few of those who fought in those battles are still with us today. For them and those that have passed on - and those that never made it home - it’s imperative that we keep remembering and commemorating what happened, their sacrifices, learn from it and do our very best to ensure it never happens again.
On behalf of the members of The Royal Society of St. George, I say thank you to all those in all walks of life, from England and around the Commonwealth and beyond, who earned that great victory for us in the Far East theatre.
Nick Dutt
Chairman